Counseling Program

The Counseling Department is a comprehensive, developmental guidance program focused on the student as a whole. Guidance programs are available to all students and their families. We believe in addressing the academic, career, personal/social and developmental needs of all students. School counselors are professional advocates who provide support to maximize student potential and academic achievement. Counselors offer services through classroom lessons, small group meetings, and one-on-one sessions. Working in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians and the community, school counselors facilitate the support system to ensure all students have access to and are prepared with the knowledge and skills to contribute as productive members of society.

COLLEGE/CAREER COUNSELING

The goal of career counseling is to support each student as they develop a plan that meets their individual needs. This may mean attending a university or college, taking a gap year, or pursuing an alternative path. We believe that the “Best/Good Program” is defined by how well it is an appropriate fit for each student. Parents and students are encouraged to invest time in the future and make decisions based on a foundation of knowledge, understanding of the process and individual university and college websites, while holding the student’s needs at the core.

College and career counseling at the high school begins in 9th grade, where students work on personal reflection, self-discovery, and informed decision making. In 10th grade, students are given the opportunity to do a career-based interest inventory, encouraged to look at admissions requirements and connect their self-knowledge with college choices. Toward the end of grade 10, they are asked to decide whether to enter the full IB Diploma Program or to take IB courses. In 11th grade, students are supported as they research and formalize their post-secondary plans. Students are requested to limit their applications to six, but should consider many schools and a range of options. Students are encouraged to be the captain of their own research and college admissions team with the support of parents, teachers and counselors.